UGA Lineman Arrested on DUI, Alcohol Charges

ATHENS, GA -- UGA defensive lineman Jonathan Ledbetter was arrested early Sunday on charges of DUI and underage possession of alcohol.

It was the seventh known arrest of a University of Georgia player this offseason and Ledbetter's second arrest. Alcohol charges against him from earlier this year were dropped.

Ledbetter, 18, was booked into Athens-Clarke County Jail on Sunday at 6:05 a.m. on charges of driving under the influence of alcohol and possession of alcohol by a minor.

"First I want to apologize to my family, my teammates and coaches, the university and the Bulldog Nation," Ledbetter in a statement from the UGA athletic department. "I have a problem and have received an incredible amount of support and treatment through the athletic department for the problem. For that I am thankful.
"I ask for everyone's support as I continue to receive additional treatment for this disease and work toward a healthy life."

The statement said Ledbetter will receive discipline for the offense, but also "an intensified education, counseling, and medical assistance program."

"Certainly we are disappointed and recognize he has a serious problem," said UGA head football coach Kirby Smart. "We have provided help for him previously and we are committed to providing whatever assistance is necessary for Jonathan that will contribute to immediate improvement but also ensure that his long-term well-being is secure."

A sophomore, the 6-foot-4, 251-pound defensive end out of Tucker played in seven games last season. He has been expected to compete for significant playing time, and even a starting spot, this season.

Smart did not announced specifics of what disciplinary action Ledbetter may face.

Ledbetter was arrested on March 20 for underage possession of alcohol and using a fake ID to try to get into a club. But the Athens-Clarke County district attorney later dropped those charges.

Smart had said Ledbetter would face a one-game suspension for that infraction, but it was unclear whether that suspension still stood after the charges were dropped.

Last month, freshman defensive back Chad Clay was kicked off the team, after his second arrest since joining the squad.